Jaclyn Sienna India, the founder of the travel concierge service Sienna Charles, established her company in 2008 with a strategy to “fake it until you make it.” Initially, she faced skepticism, even from her husband, as she dealt with inquiries from potential clients while having no actual business to show for it. Despite her claims of being booked with high-net-worth individuals, the reality was different.
After sixteen years, her strategy has proven successful. Today, India serves a clientele that includes former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey, focusing on individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million. So, what sets her apart from other travel services?
According to India, it is not just the powerful connections of her clients that matter, but rather the personal care and attention she provides. Her background as a server for five years helps her understand and respond to what people truly need, which she believes is crucial in her line of work.
Sienna Charles features an extensive network of over 2,000 relationships within the hospitality sector, including connections with luxury hotels, yachts, and high-end restaurants. This network allows India to craft unique travel and dining experiences for her clients.
“My clients often know what they want but lack the means to achieve it,” India noted. She claims to possess a talent for grasping their visions quickly and delivering accordingly.
Her objective transcends simply securing bookings at elite venues; she prioritizes meaningful experiences. For instance, she doesn’t advocate for dining at the renowned French Laundry, suggesting instead alternatives she finds more intriguing, like Single Thread Farms.
India frequently curates exclusive events for her clients, including an intimate candlelight dinner in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She also combines memorable meals with encounters with notable individuals, organizing breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
However, her services are not always extravagant. When arranging a trip to Ethiopia for Bush, she ensured he had his favorite comforts: peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” she said, highlighting her daily interactions with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff to discover unique experiences for her clients. Her commitment is to provide authentic experiences that capture the essence of travel beyond mere luxury.